Aidan O'Brien's master ready to pass Chester test

High hopes: Aidan O’Brien has got a great chance to land the Chester Vase with Masterofthehorse

13 April 2012

Calling the Chester Vase a recognised Epsom Derby trial could be stretching the truth a little bit these days.

The last horse to win the Derby having run in the mile-and-a-half race was Quest For Fame, who finished second in 1990.

In terms of Classic horses, it appears that they will be in short supply in the feature on the Roodeye tomorrow.

Masterofthehorse (2.45) has huge potential and looks the most likely to land the Group 3 contest, despite being a 20-1 afterthought in the Derby betting.

His trainer, Aidan O'Brien, has had a sluggish start to the season by the Ballydoyle stable's lofty standards and the Sadler's Wells colt is having his first run since a modest 11th of 15 to Crowded House in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October.

Prior to that, Masterofthehorse was beaten half a length by subsequent 2,000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars at the Curragh. The key is the extra half mile here, which breeding suggests he will relish.

Last season's Chester Vase winner, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Doctor Fremantle (2.15), can make a successful return in the Huxley Stakes.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to the colt's owner, Khalid Abdullah, said: "He is in good form and we know he handles the track.

"He didn't stay in the St Leger but he was a good fourth in the Derby and we hope he can come back to that sort of level."

A return to a flat track will suit Robby Bobby (1.45), who could get the run of the race from a decent draw in stall four to make the frame for in-form Mark Johnston in the opening 10-furlong handicap, but Tartan Gunna (3.15) looks to be the Middleham handler's best chance of the day with this step up to a mile sure to suit following a staying-on success over seven furlongs at Beverley a fortnight ago.

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Aidan O'Brien's master ready to pass Chester test

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